Literary Devices and Story Elements Flashcards
What are literary devices and why do we use them?
to enhance the author’s writing and the readers enjoyment/understanding. they are optional, but that aid us in analyzing texts.
conflict
the root of the problem(s) in a text
the climax or climactic moments are caused by these conflicts
six types of conflict
Types of conflict
character vs character
character vs technology/machine
character vs himself
character vs nature
character vs society
character vs supernatural
What is a simile
when one thing is compared to another to show its similarities
a simile compares using the words like or as
What is a metaphor
a metaphor is a direct comparison, without using the words like has
still used to show the similarity between two things
Foreshadowing
when the author leaves hints about what will occur later in the book
can be good or bad events
can be created through dialogue, atmosphere, repetition, etc.
Symbolism
when something in a story has a deeper meaning; it symbolizes or represents a greater idea
can be an objects, person, or event
imagery
the use of descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind
lots of adjectives and adverbs are used
enhances the writing with vivid descriptions
plays on our five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, sound)
onomatopoeia
when a word is written exactly as it sounds
onomatopoeic words are often found in comic books
ex. Zip! Smack! Buzz! Rip!
characterization
when a character is described in great detail
two types of characterization
The two types of characterization
direct characterization
indirect characterization
direct characterization
an author describes a character using adjectives and clear descriptions of his/her physical appearance or personality
indirect characterization
the reader is left to deduct what a character is like based on situations, dialogue and actions
irony
when something happens which is totally expected or unintended
the opposite of what we assume will happen, happens
mood
this creates an emotional atmosphere
writing will allow us to “feel” the mood of the text : sad, happy, scary, nervous, etc.
we can better understand an author or character’s attitude
can also foreshadow future events